First-Generation/Low-Income (FLI) Students at Colby

Thanks to an Anonymous donor, we will match $100 per donor up to $20,000 in gifts made to the FLI Program.

At Colby, we’re committed to empowering all first-generation low-income students to boldly pursue their passions without boundaries.

The FLI@Colby Program started in 2019 and works to ensure the support and success of First-generation-to-college and Low/Limited Income (FLI) students. Our Program helps students holistically by:

• Building community through campus-wide programming, off-campus trips, and peer mentorship
• Empowering FLI students through leadership development, celebrating accomplishments, and advocating for student needs
• Reducing barriers by providing transportation, connection to resources, and financial support

This year, the FLI@Colby Program celebrates its fifth year of service to the Colby community and our extraordinary FLI community. It is thanks to the support of the generous Colby community that our work is possible.

A gift of any amount has a real impact for our students. Consider donating to the FLI@Colby Program today, and here is what your gift could mean for students:

• $5 pays for a faculty/staff member and a FLI student to connect over lunch in the dining halls.
• $20 purchases a gift for one graduating FLI senior to celebrate their accomplishment of being the first in their family to graduate college.
• $50 means a first-year FLI student and their peer mentor can get a meal together at a local restaurant, exploring the Waterville community and Maine experience.
• $100 grants the funds to purchase classroom supplies that are available to students throughout the year via our Community Supply Closet.
• $200 covers the cost of an on-campus event that brings together faculty, staff, and students to build relationships and community.
• $400 enables a student to attend First-generation student conferences, such as the First Gen Summit, 1vyG, or First-generation Student Success Conference.
• $1,000 provides the funds to hire and pay a peer mentor, who can provide individualized and holistic support to 3-5 first-year FLI students.

As we look ahead to the next five years of FLI student success and programming, here are some initiatives we hope to develop along with their annual cost:

• $15,000 for an end-of-year FLI Community Retreat to celebrate FLI students for completing their first year of college, empower them to become leaders at Colby and beyond, and bring together dedicated faculty, staff, and students.
• $20,000 for the FLI@Colby Program to host a FLI Student Conference, bringing together first-generation and limited income college students from across Maine.
• $25,000 to purchase devices for first-year FLI students to have the technology needed to excel in their academics.
• $35,000 to hire and train a robust student staff for the FLI@Colby Program.
• $50,000 for a graduating FLI student event to recognize the students who are the first in their family to graduate with a college degree, providing transportation and accommodation assistance for FLI students’ families to attend their graduation.